Anion sensing by Phenazine-based urea/thiourea receptors

The novel colorimetric receptors 2,3-bis-N-(9,10-diaza-anthracen-1-yl)-N'-phenylurea and 2,3-bis-N-(9,10-diaza-anthracen-1-yl)-N'-phenylthiourea have been prepared by the reaction of 2,3-diaminophenazine with phenylisocyanate and phenylisothiocyanate, respectively, in quantitative yields. The interaction and colorimetric sensing properties of receptor = 2 and 3 with different anions were investigated by naked eye, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy in DMSO. The receptors effectively and selectively recognized biologically important F-, CH3COO-, H2PO4- in the presence of other anions, Such as Cl-, Br-, l(-) and HSO4- in DMSC. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.